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What does a user support analyst do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Ming Chow

User support analysts are computer professionals who provide support to users by investigating and resolving their computer software and hardware problems. By answering telephone calls and applying their knowledge of computer software and hardware, these analysts are required to talk and answer questions from users to learn the source of error. They must discuss with programmers about software errors as well as call the software and hardware vendors to request service regarding defective products. User support analysts must also revise training manuals and should develop training materials such as exercises and visual displays.

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User support analyst responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real user support analyst resumes:

  • Manage DHCP entries, assign and reserve IP addresses for different sites and locations.
  • Utilize programs such as ARP, plum, nmstools, rat, and Linux.
  • Install, configure and maintain PCs, printers and peripherals.
  • Monitor deployment of new computers and/or OS for tracking and organization.
  • Upgrade and replace operating systems due to OS errors and Y2K upgrades.
  • Provide remote support to CDC field staff experiencing problems connecting to Citrix and web mail.
  • Provide end-user support for PCs, including hardware and software, printers, and remote access.
  • Configure, troubleshoot hardware/software and network drives (with privileges and rights to internal clients credentials).
  • Configure and troubleshoot printers for offices nationwide.
  • Assist patients by explaining necessary preparations, reviewing charts after discharge and determining eligibility for medication at government's expense.
  • Network and TCP/IP configuration for Internet usage.
  • Have experience with government data security requirements using commercial data encryption software and security certificate management for email and data access.

User support analyst skills and personality traits

We calculated that 9% of User Support Analysts are proficient in User Experience, End User Support, and Technical Support. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Listening skills, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of User Support Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • User Experience, 9%

    Gathered, analyzed, and managed user experience metrics and formulated product features recommendation and priorities.

  • End User Support, 7%

    Monitored End User Support teams incident reporting performance for quality and consistency.

  • Technical Support, 7%

    Provide technical support to users of information systems, related computer equipment, and courtroom audio/video equipment.

  • Troubleshoot, 6%

    Support includes using Epic application by assisting doctors and other medical staff to navigate and troubleshoot Electronic Health/Medical Records issues.

  • Prototyping, 4%

    Conducted user research via usability testing, user profiling, and prototyping.

  • UI, 4%

    Evaluated current and proposed products working closely with IA, visual design, content team, and UI developers.

Most user support analysts use their skills in "user experience," "end user support," and "technical support" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential user support analyst responsibilities here:

Customer-service skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a user support analyst to have is customer-service skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "computer support specialists must be patient and sympathetic." User support analysts often use customer-service skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "collaborated with multiple software development teams to bring an understanding of the user experience and the needs behind the customer voice. "

Listening skills. Many user support analyst duties rely on listening skills. "support workers must be able to understand the problems that their customers are describing and know when to ask questions to clarify the situation.," so a user support analyst will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways user support analyst responsibilities rely on listening skills: "communicated with advanced level support and second level support. "

Problem-solving skills. user support analysts are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to user support analyst responsibilities, because "support workers must identify both simple and complex computer problems, analyze them, and solve them." A user support analyst resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "resolve client tech issues, determine effective resolution of issues by troubleshooting and analyzing computer system errors. "

Speaking skills. For certain user support analyst responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "speaking skills." The day-to-day duties of a user support analyst rely on this skill, as "support workers must describe the solutions to computer problems in a way that a nontechnical person can understand." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what user support analysts do: "presented user experience recommendations and solutions at the end of each session that meet user expectations and business. "

Writing skills. Another crucial skill for a user support analyst to carry out their responsibilities is "writing skills." A big part of what user support analysts relies on this skill, since "strong writing skills are useful for preparing instructions and email responses for employees and customers, as well as for real-time web chat interactions." How this skill relates to user support analyst duties can be seen in an example from a user support analyst resume snippet: "report writing designed reports with microsoft access front-end and sql back-end for management team. "

All user support analyst skills

The three companies that hire the most user support analysts are:

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Compare different user support analysts

User support analyst vs. Information technology/support technician

An information technology (IT) support technician is an individual who is responsible for providing support and troubleshoots software and hardware problems faced by customers. As for larger organizations that have their own IT department, technicians must work together internally with their IT staff members. IT support technicians are involved in inspecting and resolving minor local area network and wireless network issues, which include TCP/IP, DHCP, and VPN. They are also required to obtain an associate's degree in computer science or related field.

If we compare the average user support analyst annual salary with that of an information technology/support technician, we find that information technology/support technicians typically earn a $34,251 lower salary than user support analysts make annually.Even though user support analysts and information technology/support technicians are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require troubleshoot, desk support, and android in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between user support analysts and information technology/support technician. For instance, user support analyst responsibilities require skills such as "user experience," "end user support," "technical support," and "prototyping." Whereas a information technology/support technician is skilled in "customer service," "remote desktop," "user support," and "customer support." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Information technology/support technicians earn the highest salaries when working in the technology industry, with an average yearly salary of $53,210. On the other hand, user support analysts are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $85,890.On average, information technology/support technicians reach similar levels of education than user support analysts. Information technology/support technicians are 4.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

User support analyst vs. Help desk specialist

The primary role of help desk specialists is to maintain relationships between the company and its customers. Their duties and responsibilities include responding to guests' queries, providing technical computer support, and maintaining computer systems' performance. Help desk specialists are also responsible for following up with customers to resolve issues and train computer users. There are several requirements to be qualified for this position, which include having relevant customer service experience, problem-solving and analytical skills, and the ability to prioritize vital tasks.

On average, help desk specialists earn a $28,777 lower salary than user support analysts a year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both user support analysts and help desk specialists have skills such as "technical support," "troubleshoot," and "desk support. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that user support analyst responsibilities requires skills like "user experience," "end user support," "prototyping," and "ui." But a help desk specialist might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "customer service," "client facing," "remote desktop," and "remedy."

Help desk specialists may earn a lower salary than user support analysts, but help desk specialists earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $60,916. On the other hand, user support analysts receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $85,890.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Help desk specialists tend to reach similar levels of education than user support analysts. In fact, they're 4.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for user support analysts in the next 3-5 years?

Ming ChowMing Chow LinkedIn profile

Associate Teaching Professor, Tufts University

Infrastructure, including cloud and networking, Security, Machine Learning, and Data Science.

References:
1. cybersecurity
2. cybersecurity

User support analyst vs. Help desk analyst

Help Desk Analysts generally provide technical support by assisting customers with their system issues. These analysts are expected to be highly knowledgeable about application processes and basic troubleshooting. Help Desk Analysts usually communicate with end-users through phone calls or e-mail and are required to attend on customers technical issues promptly. Depending on the expertise, the Help Desk Analysts are often categorized to support levels wherein the most complex issues are often handle by the highest tier. The Help Desk Analysts must have critical-thinking skills on solving network problems and document specific concerns and progress.

On average, help desk analysts earn lower salaries than user support analysts, with a $42,524 difference per year.By looking over several user support analysts and help desk analysts resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "technical support," "troubleshoot," and "desk support." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a user support analyst is likely to be skilled in "user experience," "end user support," "prototyping," and "ui," while a typical help desk analyst is skilled in "customer service," "remote desktop," "strong problem-solving," and "remedy."

Help desk analysts earn the highest salary when working in the government industry, where they receive an average salary of $42,262. Comparatively, user support analysts have the highest earning potential in the technology industry, with an average salary of $85,890.help desk analysts typically earn similar educational levels compared to user support analysts. Specifically, they're 4.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

User support analyst vs. Technical support trainer

A technical support trainer specializes in creating training programs meant to mold workers into becoming valuable members of a company workforce. Their responsibilities revolve around identifying the trainees' needs, providing written and verbal instructions, addressing and resolving inquiries and concerns, conducting skills assessments, managing schedules, monitoring attendance and performance, and providing consultations to trainees. Furthermore, as a trainer, it is essential to lead and encourage trainees to achieve their goals, all while implementing and emphasizing the company's policies and regulations.

Technical support trainers average a lower salary than the annual salary of user support analysts. The difference is about $34,120 per year.According to resumes from user support analysts and technical support trainers, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "technical support," "troubleshoot," and "phone calls. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "user experience," "end user support," "prototyping," and "ui" are skills that commonly show up on user support analyst resumes. On the other hand, technical support trainers use skills like customer service, product support, customer satisfaction, and post implementation on their resumes.In general, technical support trainers earn the most working in the technology industry, with an average salary of $44,355. The highest-paying industry for a user support analyst is the technology industry.The average resume of technical support trainers showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to user support analysts. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 2.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.3%.

Types of user support analyst

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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